Life in a Jar

One of my goals for 2011 involved making a commitment to read at least two books a month. (No- this is not counting children’s picture books- I already read those in abundance.)  I am proud to share that I have met, actually surpassed, my goal so far!

I recently finished one of the most priceless reads in a long time, Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, by Jack Mayer. It is a novel based on the true story of Irena Sendler who helped save 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto and the Kansas teenagers who “discovered” her story. What started as a History Day project in Norm Conard’s class turned into something so much more.  Not only is the book a remarkable read, but proceeds from sales go to a worthy cause. Sixty percent of the sales are donated to the Irena Sendler Life in a Jar Foundation to promote Irena’s legacy and inspire educators and students to take part in unsung hero projects.

Of course, some people may say I am a little biased as I have met the astonishing Norm Conard and the incredible Megan Stewart Felt, two of the original founders of the project. So don’t just take my word for it. READ IT FOR YOURSELF. You can order a copy of the book at www.irenasendler.org/shop.asp. This story is a testament to the power of project based learning, the importance of historical research, and the impact of effective teachers. It’s also the story of unsung heroes, generations and worlds apart. I know you’ll agree with me that Life in a Jar is a touching example of the power of individuals to change the world.  Trust me, you’ll be moved in many ways…

Want to learn more about this incredible story? Visit either www.lowellmilkencenter.org or www.irenasendler.org.  Check out the following video clip from the March 7, 2007 edition of Today's American Story. 

Unsung Heroes: How It All Began

Several people have asked how I first became interested in projects of unsung heroes. It dates back to 2008. I was attending the National Milken Educator Awards. My husband and I sat by a wonderful man, Norm Conard. He was friendly, wise, and thoroughly enjoyable.



The next day, I attended a session about project based learning. The thing that first caught my attention was the mention of a woman, Irena Sendler, who rescued Jewish children from the Polish ghettos during WWII. I have always been interested in WWII and inspirational stories of heroic people from that era. I had never heard of Irena before, so I decided to check it out. The gentleman giving the presentation was Norm, my table mate, from the night before. I heard the remarkable story of Irena Sendler. I heard about Norm’s experience as a teacher using project based learning and the young students from Kansas who brought this amazing story to light. Irena’s story is a touching one and there is absolutely no way I can not to justice to it in a single blog entry so please visit http://www.lowellmilkencenter.org/ and click on the link “Life in a Jar”, under highlighted projects. You will also want to visit www.irenasendler.org to learn more about the project and this once unsung hero (no longer unsung, but definitely a hero). 



On display at the Lowell Milken Center



Back to the story of how I came to be involved in my heroes’ project…Those who know me well know that my enthusiasm and passion often get the best of me. I have a tendency to jump right in before thinking things through. Immediately after the session, I marched up to Norm and explained how I would love to do work with project based learning and unsung heroes in my own first grade classroom. The next school year, my students and I did some work on a minor scale. Norm and I stayed in contact.



Megan, Don, myself, Drew, and Norm

Lowell Milken Center in Fort Scott, Kansas



During the summer of 2010, I had the awesome opportunity to visit the Lowell Milken Center in Kansas as a fellow. Visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org and click on the Fellows and Interns link for more information on this invaluable program. I spent a week at the Center learning about project based learning, primary research, and unsung heroes. I was hooked. I returned home with greater passion and enthusiasm than before I left. My colleague, Mrs. Tautkus, had her fire lit and we are continuing this remarkable journey together. Check out her Snowball post at www.mrstautkus.blogspot.com for some insights into our adventure.

And the rest is history in the making…

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo… My Journey with Project Based Learning

My wonderful sister-in-law bought tickets for my family to ride the 1880 Holiday Express. Throughout the entire experience, I could not help but relate it to my journey on the iron horse with project based learning.

The anticipation and excitement as we stand in line to get our tickets- this is going to be a great experience. The thrill when I first start discussing ideas for the school year with a colleague- this is going to be a great experience. We do some initial planning and create a roadmap.  We look around the gift shop and admire the many beautiful things on sale. Oh, the possibilities. Things were going well, just waiting in line inside the train station. The school year starts well. Things are moving along in first grade. We have a vision and numerous lofty goals. The line progresses forward and then we hit the frigid Dakota temperatures as the line moves outside. I think, ok- I can handle this. Wait- there’s not even a train in sight. I wonder what I got myself into.  As we are in the midst of what could appear from time to time as chaos to others, I ask what I have gotten myself into. I glance around and see my three children, and I worry about them being as cold as I am. However, at closer look, I see that they were enjoying themselves, all bundled in their snowsuits and just taking it all in. I initially wonder what I brought my students into and then at additional examination I realize how much they are learning from the process. We finally board the train and things seem to be rolling along.  Things in first grade are moving along smoothly. Our projects are connected. We are hitting the standards. Our students are making growth. The cars are heated and everything is feeling fine. We are enjoying sipping on hot chocolate and eating sugar cookies. Christmas music softly plays in the background while the train whizzes along. Eventually, my toes start to lose feeling and I notice that the heater has stopped. Once again I question why am I on this ride. Wouldn’t it be easier to follow the basic curriculum, without adding all of this extra “stuff”. I could be warm and cozy at home right now. I’m cold. I’m uncomfortable. I don’t have to be spending extra time and energy stepping out of my comfort zone. The train starts to slow down and suddenly lurches to a stop. It isn’t an easy ride. There are jolts and bumps along the way. Looking outside, in between sparkling lights of houses zipping by are moments of pitch darkness where I cannot see where we were going.

Our journey in the classroom isn’t always clear or easy. The journey may appear uncomfortable at times, but we keep chugging along. Amidst the twinkling lights we see Santa Claus. He boards the train and passes out a shiny bell to each child. I watch as my children admire their shiny new bell and suck on their candy canes. The sparkle in their eyes lets me know this is a moment that will forever be etched in their memory. I notice that students are motivated and passionate about learning. Yes, students are able to write a complete sentence with a capital letter and a period, but there is a bigger purpose at work here. Their experiences will last with them far beyond their first grade year. They are learning to explore their world, question things around them, and problem solve. They are developing into lifelong learners who want to make a difference.  It was all worth it. It is well worth it.

The development of the railroad in the history of the American frontier was extremely influential. Students’ experiences with project based learning in the elementary years will impact them in numerous unimaginable ways. What is your experience with project based learning and how has it impacted your students?